ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Rural Development
Rural Housing targets in 2016-17 absolutely doable-MoRD
Department of Rural Development was given a target to complete 33 lakh houses in 2016-17. These included houses that were taken up under the Indira AwaasYojana  and were incomplete on 1st April 2016. Many of them were incomplete for many years. Of these, 21.57 lakh houses have been completed so far. This is nearly double of what was being completed each year in the 2012-13 to 2014-15 period. The Table below shows the year wise completion –
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Year
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Number of IAY Houses completed
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2012-13
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10.80 lakhs
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2013-14
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10.83 lakhs
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2014-15
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11.82 lakhs
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2015-16
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18.03 lakhs
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2016-17 
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21.57 lakhs
Sincere efforts are being made to complete 33 lakh houses in the current financial year, in partnership with States.
In the current financial year, on 20th November, 2016, Hon’ble Prime Minister formally launched Pradhan MantriAwaasYojana  - PMAY, with an original approval for33 lakhs new PMAY Gramin houses, which has now been increased to 44 lakhs.
The targets have been communicated to the States and after following an intensive process of beneficiary selection using SECC  and Gram Sabha, housing design typology finalization, finalization of training programme of rural masons and geo tagging of all currently occupied houses to establish that only poor households have been selected, States have started the registration process for construction and over 14.23 lakh beneficiaries have already been registered so far.
16.53 lakh images of current dwellings are uploaded on the AwaasSoftwebsite. The work on all these houses are expected to be started over the next one month, and completion period for these houses has been brought down to only 12 months with efforts to complete more than 50 per cent of houses in six months. Most of these 44 lakh houses are expected to be completed before December, 2017. Altogether one crore and 33 lakh houses will be completed in three years from 2016-17 to 2018-19.
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In pursuit of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and to enhance military cooperation with friendly countries, a Task Force of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet is scheduled to proceed on an Overseas Deployment to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific from early Aug 2021 for over two months. The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific.
The Indian Naval task group comprises Guided Missile Destroyer Ranvijay, Guided Missile Frigate Shivalik, Anti-Submarine Corvette Kadmatt and Guided Missile Corvette Kora. The latter three ships are indigenously designed and are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors, and are Made in India by Defence Shipyards.
During the deployment in the Indo Pacific, the ships are scheduled to participate in bilateral exercises with Vietnamese Peoples’ Navy, Republic of Philippines Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy , Indonesian Navy  and Royal Australian Navy . Further, they would also participate in multilateral exercise MALABAR-21 alongside the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy in Western Pacific.
The Indian Navy undertakes regular deployments to friendly foreign countries and Indian and the Pacific Ocean regions in furtherance of the Prime Minister’s initiative of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region – SAGAR’. Further, such engagements build ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthen international cooperation. These maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries, based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea. Besides regular port calls, the task group will operate in conjunction with friendly navies, to build military relations and develop interoperability in the conduct of maritime operations.
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CGR/VM/JSN
Ministry of Communications
Extension of last date to receive comments/ counter comments on TRAI Consultation Paper on “Assignment of Spectrum for Space-based Communication Services”
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  had released a Consultation Paper on “Assignment of Spectrum for Space-based Communication Services” on April 06, 2023. Initially, the last date for receiving written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper from the stakeholders was fixed as May 04, 2023 and for counter comments as May 18, 2023. However, on the request of stakeholders and industry associations, the last date for submission of written comments and counter comments was extended up to May 18, 2023 and June 01, 2023 respectively.
Keeping in view the request of stakeholders and Industry associations for further extension of time for submission of comments, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments and counter comments up to June 01, 2023 and June 15, 2023 respectively. No further requests for extension would be considered.
The comments/counter comments may be sent to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor , TRAI, preferably in electronic form at advmn@trai.gov.in. He may be contacted for any clarification/ information at Telephone Number +91-11-23210481.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Status of Avian Influenza in the country
Till 28thJanuary, 2021 outbreaks of Avian Influenza  have been confirmed in 9 States  for poultry birds and in 12 States  for Crow/Migratory/ Wild birds.Avian Influenza has been confirmed in poultry samples from DeraBassi, SAS Nagar district of Punjab.
Further, Avian Influenza has been confirmed in crow in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir ; from Peacock in Yavatmal district and Owl in Nanded district of Maharashtra.
However peahen and Titar samples submitted from Rajkot and Junagarh district of Gujarat have been tested negative for Avian Influenza Virus. Control and Containment Operations  are going on in the affected epicentres of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
Surveillance work is continued at the places where positive results have been reported in other species of birds excluding Poultry.
Compensation is paid to farmers whose poultry birds, eggs and poultry feed are culled/disposed of by the State as per the Action Plan. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying , Government of India provides funds to states / UTs on a 50:50 sharing basis under ASCAD component of its LH & DC Scheme.
All the States are reporting to the Department on daily basis regarding the control measures adopted by the States/UTs based on the Revised Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza 2021. The Department is taking continuous efforts to generate awareness about Avian through platforms including social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook handles.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Farmers in the region welcome Union cabinet decisions regarding the agriculture sector
Chandigarh, June 4, 2020
Farmers in the states of Haryana and Punjab have welcomed cabinet decisions regarding agriculture sector. To give a boost to rural India and transform the agriculture sector, the union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved certain amendments and ordinances in relation to the agriculture sector. These decisions will liberalize regulatory environment for farmers, promote barrier-free inter-state & intra-state trade and empower them to engage with companies.
Talking about these decisions, Jagmohan Singh Grewal, a farmer from Mohali, Punjab said that it would enable farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country ensuring them better remuneration. Another Sangrur-based farmer said it would provide more choices to them to sell their produce releasing better returns. The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce  Ordinance, 2020' , approved on Wednesday, will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce. It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations.

https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1268204949533532161?s=09 

https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1268206472539889674?s=09 
A Farmer from Haryana said that directing selling of agricultural produce from farmers is a good step by Government and this will assure farmers that every grain of their produce is sold. Sanjeev Kumar from Haryana also said direct selling will help better price realization for farmers and will ensure prosperity for them. Subhash Chahal, another farmer from Kaithal district while expressing the same view on direct engagement, said it will increase their income as there will be no intermediaries. The Farmers  Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020’ will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc. without any fear of exploitation.

https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1268216598093017094?s=09 

https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1268197573095014400?s=09 

https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1268201139465486338?s=09 
The amendment to Essential Commodities Act will remove fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference in their business operations. The freedom to produce, hold, move, distribute and supply will lead to harnessing of economies of scale and attract private sector/foreign direct investment into agriculture sector. It will help drive up investment in cold storages and modernization of food supply chain.
These decisions to give boost to the rural economy and agriculture sector come in light of series of announcements made last month by Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman under “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”.
Ministry of Defence
Sainik Schools Society seeks more participation from certain states and UTs for setting up new schools
Under the scheme of the opening of 100 new Sainik Schools, approved by the Govt of India, the Sainik Schools Society is in the process to grant approval to the interested schools to function under its aegis. This Scheme will provide an opportunity for students throughout the country to march ahead in tune with National Education Policy  along with following the Sainik School curriculum. It is in line with the Government of India decision to provide an increased focus on value-based education enabling children to develop pride in the rich culture and heritage of this nation, effective leadership with character, discipline, sense of national duty and patriotism. In the first phase, 100 affiliate partners are proposed to be drawn from States/NGOs/Private partners.
The scheme is aimed at providing the Sainik School pattern of education to a larger cross-section of aspiring students all over the nation. A significant number of schools from various States  have registered at https://sainikschool.ncog.gov.in. At the same time, it is observed that participation of Private/ NGOs/ Govt Schools from Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal, New Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Ladakh & Jammu and Kashmir is lukewarm even when there is a bright opportunity for these States / UT Governments to have Sainik School established in their area. A proactive drive in this regard will have multiple effects in providing a window to address the aspirational needs of parents and students of such areas.
Sainik Schools Society invites Private/ NGOs/Govt Schools of the aforementioned states to join the initiative for the benefit of the public at large.
For any further clarification/ assistance from the Sainik School society, interested parties may communicate by email at sainikschoolaffiliation[at]gmail[dot]com.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of former CM of Gujarat, Keshubhai Patel
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Keshubhai Patel.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said. "Our beloved and respected Keshubhai has passed away…I am deeply pained and saddened. He was an outstanding leader who cared for every section of society. His life was devoted towards the progress of Gujarat and the empowerment of every Gujarati.
Keshubhai travelled across the length and breadth of Gujarat to strengthen the Jana Sangh and BJP. He resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. Issues of farmer welfare were closest to his heart. Be it as MLA, MP, Minister or CM, he ensured many farmer friendly measures were passed.
Keshubhai mentored and groomed many younger Karyakartas including me. Everyone loved his affable nature. His demise is an irreparable loss. We are all grieving today. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers. Spoke to his son Bharat and expressed condolences. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Textiles
Gala Inauguration of “Textiles Week” at India Pavilion in Dubai Expo 2020,
EPCH represents Handicrafts Exporters Fraternity in “Textiles Week” at Dubai Expo 2020,
The ‘Textiles Week’ was inaugurated by Shri Vijoy Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles along with Shri Jay Karan Singh, Trade Advisor at India Pavilion in “DUBAI EXPO’ 2020 in the presence of heads of participating Export Promotion Councils, yesterday. An interactive session on the ‘Sourcing and Investment Destination for Textiles Production Linked Incentive  Scheme - A Game Changer’ was also organised at the Dubai Expo. The objective of the interaction was to project India’s commitment towards attracting investments in the Textile Sector so as to enhance production and thereby exports.
In his address Chairman EPCH, Shri Raj Kumar Malhotra, said that the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the biggest platforms that offers a golden opportunity to showcase India to the world and project the country as the next hub for growth and innovation. The Expo will be open seven days a week, from 10 am to 12 pm  from Saturday to Wednesday and 10 am to 2 am  . Website: https://indiaexpo2020.com/
Speaking on the occasion, Shri R.K. Verma, Executive Director-Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts , informed that handicrafts is one of the important exports from the Cottage sector of the country and has immense potential in the overseas market. With the exports of around US$ 3500 million, the handicrafts of India are sold across the globe and India is one of the preferred destination of the overseas buyers for sourcing home, lifestyle, fashion, furniture and textiles items from India.
The Dubai Expo 2020 is a World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022 with 192 participating country Pavilions. Union Minister of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the India Pavilion on 1st October, 2021. The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai reflects India’s commitment to the philosophy of लोका: समस्ता: सुखिनोभवन्तु , which means, “May everyone, in the whole world, be happy.” Informed Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman EPCH.
EPCH is a nodal agency under Ministry of Textiles for promoting exports of handicrafts from the Country to various destinations of the world and projecting India’s image abroad as a reliable supplier of high quality handicrafts goods & services. The Handicrafts exports during the seven months of current financial year from April to October, 2021-22 is Rs. 19119.48 Crores registering a growth of over 50.88% over the same period last year.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Cabinet approves continuation of Capacity Development Scheme for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved continuation of the Capacity Development Scheme for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs 2,250 crore.
The Capacity Development Scheme is an Ongoing Central Sector Scheme of MoSPI. The overall objective of the scheme is to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for making available credible and timely Official Statistics for policy makers and public at large.
The major ongoing activities under the Capacity Development Scheme, include augmenting resources for bringing out important statistical products, such as Gross Domestic Product , Consumer Price Index , Index of Industrial Production , Statistical classifications, etc.; conducting various Socio-Economic surveys, capacity building and strengthening statistical coordination, and improving IT infrastructure. Periodic Labour Force Survey , a continuous survey to assess quarterly labour data in urban areas and annual labour data for the whole country , was launched in April, 2017 under the scheme.
The Capacity Development Scheme has two Sub-schemes, Economic Census and Support for Statistical Strengthening . Under Economic Census, listing of all non-agricultural establishments is undertaken periodically, which forms the basis for conducting detailed socio-economic surveys. The last  Economic Census was conducted during January, 2013 to April, 2014 and the Government now aims to conduct the Census once every three years in future. The SSS Sub-scheme is to strengthen State/ Sub-State level statistical systems/ infrastructure to facilitate development of a robust national system. Funds are released to States/ UTs for this purpose after detailed examination of their proposals.
In view of the requirement for better statistical coverage of sectors/areas, in addition to the regular ongoing activities, the Ministry proposes to also take up three new surveys under the Capacity Development Scheme, namely, Time Use Survey , Annual Survey of Service Sector Enterprises , and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises .
Ministry of Power
Cabinet approves construction of 540 Megawatt Kwar Hydro Electric project through M/s. Chenab valley Power Projects Private Limited
Project expected to generate 1975 million units of electricity
Kwar project to be commissioned in 54 months
Construction activities of project to result in jobs to 2500 persons and overall social economic development of UT of Jammu & Kashmir
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved the investment of Rs.4526.12 crore for 540 Megawatt  Kwar Hydro Electric Project located on river Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Union Territory of Jammy and Kashmir. The project will be implemented by M/s. Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited  a joint venture company between NHPC and JKSPDC with equity contribution of 51% and 49% respectively on 27.04.2022.
The project shall generate 1975.54 million units in a 90% dependable year.
Government of India is extending grant of Rs.69.80 crore towards cost of Enabling Infrastructure and also supporting the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir by providing grant of Rs.655.08 crore for Equity contribution of JKSPDC  in M/s. CVPPPL. NHPC shall invest its equity  of Rs.681.82 crore from its internal resources. The Kwar Hydro Electric Project shall be commissioned with a span of 54 months. The Power generated from the Project will help in balancing of Grid and will improve the power supply position.
Government of UT of J&K to make the Project viable, extending exemption form levy of Water Usage Charges for 10 years after commissioning of the project, reimbursement of State’s share of GST  and waiver of free power @2% per year in a decremental manner, i.e. the free power to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir would be 2% in the 1st year after commissioning of Project and thereafter shall increase @2% per year and shall be 12% from 6th year onwards.
The construction activities of the Project will result in direct and indirect employment to around 2500 persons and will contribute in overall socio-economic development of the Union Territory of J&K. Further, UT of J&K will be benefitted with free power of around Rs.4,548.59 crore and Rs.4,941.46 crore with Water Usage Charges from Kwar Hydro Electric Project, during project life cycle of 40 years.
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Finance approves welfare measures for LIC agents and employees
Welfare measures include increase in gratuity limit, eligibility for renewal commission, term insurance cover for LIC agents; and a uniform rate of family pension for LIC employees
The Ministry of Finance today approved a series of welfare measures for the benefit of Life Insurance Corporation of India  agents and employees. The welfare measures are related to the amendments to LIC  Regulations, 2017, Enhancement of Gratuity Limit, and Uniform Rate of Family Pension among others.
The following welfare measures w.r.t. LIC agents and employees were approved:
- Enhancement of the gratuity limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for LIC agents. It will bring substantial improvements to the working condition and benefits of LIC agents.
- Enabling reappointed agents to be eligible for renewal commission, thereby providing them with increased financial stability. Currently, LIC agents are not eligible for renewal commission on any business completed under the old agency.
- The term insurance cover for the agents has been expanded from the existing range of Rs. 3,000-10,000 rupees to Rs. 25,000-1,50,000. This enhancement in term insurance will significantly benefit the families of deceased agents, offering them a more substantial welfare benefit.
- Family pension at a uniform rate of @30% for the welfare of the families of LIC employees.
More than 13 lakhs agents and more than 1 lakh regular employees, who play a pivotal role in the growth of LIC and deepening of insurance penetration in India, will benefit from these welfare measures.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Ministry of Petroleum amends Natural Gas Tariff, Authorisation and Capacity Regulations
Amendments to provide access of natural gas in the far-flung areas at the competitive and affordable rates
To act as stepping stone for implementation of Unified Tariff regulations which will be effective from 1st April 2023
To accelerate the development of the natural gas infrastructure and usher rapid growth of natural gas market in the country, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board  has brought out amendments in its three regulations namely Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff, Authorisation and Capacity Regulations. These amendments will act as stepping stone for implementation of Unified Tariff regulations which will be effective from 1st April 2023. To address the settlement issues for implementation of Unified tariff, industry committee has been constituted.
The objective of these changes is to provide access of natural gas in the far-flung areas at the competitive and affordable rates to achieve the long-cherished objective of one nation one grid and one tariff.
To simplify the implementation of unified tariff, entity level Integrated natural gas pipeline tariff has been introduced in the said regulations which will act as a building block for unified tariff at national level. Further to protect the overall interest of consumers in different regions number of unified tariff zones have been increased from two to three.
In addition, other amendments like allowing unaccounted gas, moratorium period, ramp up in capacity, etc., have been incorporated.